Cincinnati City Council to consider Linden Park funding agreement January 30, 2008

Site of former Shuller’s Wigwam restaurant in College Hill neighborhood will include mixed-use project of 19 condominium lofts and flats over street-level shops and restaurants in first phase

Developer Al. Neyer, Inc. to open condominium sales center at site March 6; 6210 Hamilton Avenue at North Bend Road

CINCINNATI – Cincinnati City Council will consider and is expected to approve an agreement to lend up to $1.8 million of City funds for the redevelopment of the former Shuller’s Wigwam site in College Hill. The funding agreement, as well as a land grant ordinance, will be considered January 30 at Council’s regular session.

The redevelopment of the site – the northeast corner of Hamilton Avenue and North Bend Road – is called Linden Park. Its first phase, an $8.72 million mixed-use, 3-story, L-shaped building, is designed to wrap the corner and create an open-air seating area for a restaurant or bistro within the street-level commercial space. On floors two and three, 19 market-rate condominiums are planned, priced between $169,000-299,000. The project’s second phase will include up to 22 townhomes on the site, and will represent a $4 million additional investment.

The College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CHCURC) is the nonprofit development organization that first considered the redevelopment of this key intersection and hired Al. Neyer, Inc. as preferred developer of Linden Park, in partnership with the City of Cincinnati.

“This has been a community-led project from the beginning,” according to James Neyer, vice president of real estate development, Al. Neyer, Inc.  College Hill has consistently come together in significant ways to help us envision the future of their community and keep it in the City’s focus.”

“Council’s approval of this housing loan and a land grant are the next key pieces to move this important project forward,” according to Marty Weldishofer, director of development, College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corp.

Hamilton Avenue and North Bend Road is College Hill’s northern gateway entrance into its business district and the entry into the City of Cincinnati from northern suburbs. Shuller’s Wigwam, a popular restaurant and event destination, closed in 2000. A condominium sales center will open at the site March 6.

According to Michael Cervay, City of Cincinnati’s director of Community Development & Planning, "Community Development is excited about Linden Park. This development in College Hill is our latest mixed-use project committed to increased homeownership and business district revitalization. Linden Park is expected to attract young professionals and empty nesters looking to stay in or move to College Hill. The City's investment of $1.8 million in Linden Park should leverage over $10 million in private financing and owner equity."

Contact:

Marty Weldishofer                                                                                                      
College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corp.
513-681-4210 

Gail Paul
Al. Neyer, Inc.
513-379-8153